Career
Three decades building spine and medical technology companies
From orthopedic joint ventures to the chairman’s seat at NuVasive, and later ventures in surgical robotics, navigation, and imaging.
Timeline
A career centered on specialized surgical technology
Orthopedic ventures: Stryker–Meadox and Smith & Nephew
Lukianov’s early orthopedic experience included managing a Stryker–Meadox Medical joint venture. At Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics, he directed a business unit associated with Ilizarov technology, helping introduce Russian-developed limb-lengthening technology to the American market. These assignments placed him at the intersection of surgical practice, specialized devices, and commercialization.
President, United States business
He subsequently held executive positions at Sofamor Danek, including president of its United States business.
Founder, chairman, and chief executive
He founded BackCare Group, a spine-focused physician practice-management company, serving as its chairman and chief executive officer. Together with his earlier roles, it broadened his experience beyond individual products to larger operating businesses and the organization of spine care.
Chief executive, then chairman
A defining chapter began in July 1999, when Lukianov joined NuVasive as chief executive officer and a director. He became chairman in February 2004, and the company completed its initial public offering in May of that year. He served as chairman and chief executive until 2015, leading the business through its transition from an early-stage enterprise into a publicly traded spine-technology company with a market capitalization of $2.5 billion.
NuVasive reported annual revenue of $811 million in 2015. Its business centered on technologies for minimally disruptive spine surgery. In a published interview, Lukianov described company-building as a matter of creating culture as well as developing products, and accounts of his tenure highlight surgeon education, hands-on training, and a strong customer-service orientation alongside business growth.
Governance and professional organizations
His industry involvement extended into corporate and professional governance. He was appointed to Orthofix’s board in December 2016, and his record also includes service with Volcano Corporation, BIOCOM, and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association.
Chairman
Lukianov co-founded Fusion Robotics, which merged with Integrity Implants in July 2021 to form Accelus. He became chairman of the combined company’s board. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Accelus brought together businesses focused on spinal implants and surgical navigation and robotics, with the stated goal of expanding access to minimally invasive spine procedures. Accelus was acquired by HIG Capital in 2025.
Co-founder, chairman, and chief executive
He also co-founded Tissue Differentiation Intelligence, or TDi, a Florida medical-technology business. In April 2020, the company identified him as its chairman and chief executive officer when announcing FDA 510(k) clearance for SonoVision. The system uses ultrasound, image processing, and machine learning to help distinguish anatomical structures, including nerves, muscle, bone, and blood vessels, during spine surgery.
Chairman and chief executive
DuraStat’s leadership roster lists Lukianov as chairman and chief executive. While he headed the company, he entered into a distribution agreement with Medtronic, the largest medical-device company in the world. DuraStat develops unique products for neurosurgical and spine surgery applications.